Canon Legria HF R18

The Canon Legria HF R18 is an entry-level high-def camcorder aimed squarely at the casual end of the market. Its main selling points are a 20x optical zoom lens and a semi-affordable price tag.


Like the vast majority of Canon’s camcorder range, the Legria HF R18 uses removable flash memory to record video. In addition to an SD/SDHC card slot, it also comes with 32GB of inbuilt memory. This is enough to store up to 12 hours of high-definition video at the lowest possible setting. Other models in Canon’s entry-level ‘HF’ range include the 8GB Legria HF R16 and the memory-free Legria HF R106. Apart from storage capacity, all three camcorders are identical to each other — so if you already have lots of SD memory cards lying around, the HF R106 might be a better option...

Buy a Canon VIXIA HF S200 Flash Memory Camcorder - 2010 MODEL

Review at PCAdvisor

Canon Vixia HF M32: 64GB Internal Memory, SDXC

The HF M32 is now the top mid-range HD camcorder from Canon, replacing last year's Canon VIXIA HF M31. However, other than the increase in built-in flash memory to 64GB, and the ability to record using SDXC memory cards, the Canon HF M32 appears to be exactly like its predecessor. The HF M32 has the same 1/4-inch CMOS sensor with a total pixel count of 3.89 megapixels, and its lens has a 15x optical zoom, just like the previous HF M series camcorders from Canon.

Via Camcorderinfo.com

Canon iVIS HF 21 and Canon iVIS HF S11 camcorders

Canon Japan announced two new camcorders today, the iVIS HF 21 and the iVIS HF S11, both AVCHD models filling out its HD line as mid-year updates.

The HF S11, presumably the new flagship camcorder from Canon, features 64GB of internal flash memory, doubling that of the previously released HF S10. It allows for up to 5 hours and 55 minutes of recording in the highest quality setting. The memory can also be expanded with SD/SDHC cards. Inside, many of the components are the same as the HF S10:  a 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor with a 8.59-megapixel gross pixel count, a Digic DVIII processor, and AVCHD recording up to 24Mbps. In still shooting mode, the HF S11 can capture photos up to 3264 x 2456. It also has the same f/1.8 - f/3.0, 10x optical zoom lens.

Buy a Canon VIXIA HFS100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder + Deluxe Value Accessory Kit

Canon HF S11 specs:

• 8-megapixel CMOS sensor
• 12x optical zoom
• DIGIC DV III image processor 
• 1080p HD recordings at 24Mbps
• 8-megapixel still images 
• manual focus, exposure and audio levels
• gain control limits
•  zebra patterns, color peaking 

 Canon HF21 specs:

• family-oriented
•   face detection technology for up to 35 faces in one frame
•  15x zoom lens
• 3.3-megapixel CMOS sensor  
• DIGIC DV III image processor

Both cameras will be available from September 2009.

Via Camcorderinfo.com

Top 5 Camcorders for Dad

PRWeb discusses the top 5 HD camcorders you could buy for your dad on father's day, these would be the Canon VIXIA HF200, Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1, Flip Video Ultra HD, Sony HDR-CX12 and the Canon VIXIA HV40.

"It's hard to imagine a better Father's Day gift for dad than preserving family memories with a cool new gadget. A new high definition video camera is the perfect complement to the HDTV and Blu-ray player that mysteriously showed up in the living room last year. This year's digital camcorders offer ultimate portability, full high definition recording (1080p), face tracking, and automatic smile detection. Choosing the best camcorder can be difficult, and June 21st is just around the corner, so to simplify your decision here are 5 of the best camcorders for dads."

Buy Canon VIXIA HF200 HD Flash Memory Camcorder with 15x Optical Zoom
Buy Canon VIXIA HV40 HD HDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Buy Sanyo VPC-FH1 HD 1080p Flash Memory Camcorder w/ 16x advance zoom (Black)
Buy Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition Memory Stick PRO Duo Handycam Camcorder With 12x Optical Zoom

Via PRWeb

Canon Legria HF S10 reviewed

Chris Jager (Good Gear Guide) says:

The Canon Legria HF S10 is a flash memory–based Full HD camcorder equipped with 32GB of inbuilt storage. It replaces the Canon HF11 as the company’s flagship consumer-level camcorder — which arguably makes it the new benchmark for high-definition video. (After all, the HF11 was one of the best camcorders of its generation). The Canon Legria HF S10 gave a solid all-round performance and comes with some useful features on board, including a new Video Snapshot mode, a revamped user interface and a wealth of manual controls.

However, with an RRP of $2499, the Canon Legria HF S10 will sadly be out of reach for many consumers — especially in these economically uncertain times. Nevertheless it remains a suburb video camera for those that can afford it; be they die-hard videographers or cashed-up novices. If only it were a little bit cheaper...

Via PCWorld Australia

Consumers shift focus from camcorders to digicams

Suvi Dogra at India-based Business Standard has an interesting article on the Indian market trend. Check the full article for more.

Consumers in India appear to be shifting their focus from camcorders to digital still cameras. Camcorder sales remained flat in 2008, recording single-digit growth rates, according to industry estimates.

As opposed to this, digital still cameras grew by nearly 40 per cent and the category is likely to maintain a growth rate of around 25 per cent this year.

The reason for the shift is simple. In a slowing economy, consumers appear to be looking for reliable yet inexpensive products to fulfil their digital needs. Digital still cameras incorporate high-end technology, allow for shorter films and, yet, are cheaper than camcorders, reasons an industry observer.

“The digital still camera is growing rapidly in the Indian market and taking share from the digital camcorder market based on its compact form factor, improvements in recording capabilities like zoom, editing software, etc, and the consumer preference for carrying a single image capturing device,” explained R Zutshi, deputy managing director, Samsung India.

Buy a Samsung HMX-R10 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Black)

Via Business Standard India

MSNBC says flash memory means smaller devices

In her article titled "Camcorders get flashier", MSNBC editor Suzanne Choney has this to say about the new wave of flash memory based HD camcorders:

Samsung's SMX-C14 camcorder, due out in July, has 16 gigabytes of internal flash memory and can also use an SD or SD High Capacity card. Pricing has not been set, but is likely to be less than $400.

Some of them are hybrids and some are GPS-enabled. They're not cars, they're digital camcorders and the recent generation of them have almost as many options as automobiles have.

Want to take 8-by-10 quality photos at a friend's wedding, as well as high-definition video? Canon's "hybrid" VIXIA HF S100 includes an 8-megapixel camera. Into "geo-tagging" your video so you know the exact location of where it was shot? Several of Sony's camcorders, including the HDR-XR200 V, have built-in GPS. Like a hint of color in your camcorder? Samsung's SMX-C14 and C10 camcorders, due out this summer, infuse a subtle dose of red, gray or teal into the black body of the video cam.

Check out the full article at MSNBC
Buy a Samsung HMX-R10 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Black)

Calamari uses small HD cams for capturing courtroom documentary footage

Calamari Productions, a multifaceted independent TV and digital media production company with experience in child welfare documentaries, uses Canon XH A1 HD cameras to remain as inconspicuous as possible so as to not influence the people and events it shoots.

Calamari Productions has obtained state Supreme Court access in several states to film inside America's child welfare and juvenile courts, detention centers and prisons.

“We go into a lot of sensitive situations where we have to be as unobtrusive as possible,” said Chip Warren, Calamari Productions VP of media and production. The Canon XH A1 camcorder lets the production company “get into places and capture footage” that would not be possible with larger cameras, he said.

Weighing 4.6lbs, the Canon XH A1 HD camcorder measures 13.8in by 7.4in. Despite its compact size, the camera shoots 1080p HD video at 60i, 30f or 24f frame rates. The camera captures light through a Canon 20x HD video zoom lens and directs it to three 1/3in native 1440 x 1080 16:9 CCDs with 1.67 million pixels per sensor. Canon’s DIGIC DV II HD image processor ensures optimum image clarity.

Via BroadcastEngineering

Calamari Productions Choses the Canon XH A1 HD Camcorder

Founded in 1995 by CEO/executive producer Karen Grau, Calamari Productions has obtained state Supreme Court access in several states to film inside America's child welfare and juvenile courts, juvenile detention centers and juvenile prisons. The company -- based in Indianapolis with satellite offices in New York -- has won many awards for its groundbreaking programming, which has appeared on major broadcast and cable networks.

"We go into a lot of sensitive situations where we have to be as unobtrusive as possible," noted Chip Warren, vice president, media and production, Calamari Productions. "The Canon XH A1 camcorder enables us to get into places -- and capture footage -- that would not be possible with a larger camera."

Weighing 4.6 lbs., the Canon XH A1 HD camcorder measures 13.8 inches long by 7.4 inches high. Despite its compact size the Canon XH A1 is designed to shoot true 1080p HD video at 60i, 30F, or 24F frame rates. Engineered with a wide array of advanced, professional Canon camera technologies, the XH A1 captures light through a Genuine Canon 20x HD video zoom lens and directs it to three 1/3-inch native

1440 x 1080 16:9 CCDs with 1.67 million pixels per sensor. These sensors deliver outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction and wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise. Canon's proprietary DIGIC DV II HD image processor further ensures optimum image clarity. The XH A1 HD Camcorder includes a range of professional user features (including Total Image Control for customizing image and color settings, programmable Auto Exposure modes, Canon SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer and Canon's Instant Auto Focus).

Via Broadcastnewsroom.com

Canon officially announces WP-V1 Waterproof Case

The Canon WP-V1 Waterproof Case, specifically designed for the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200, camcorders works at depths to 130ft (40m) of water. Allow your diving trips live forever in your memory with the dramatic clarity and brilliance of Canon HD video.

Waterproof Rating

The Canon WP-V1 is rated waterproof down to 130ft (40m). The same engineering excellence you expect in a Canon camcorder is found in this lightweight yet strong design. A body made from solid polycarbonate delivers high impact resistance, is lightweight, and offers the benefit of impressive clarity so you see your compatible VIXIA camcorder inside this "clear wet suit" almost as if it’s directly in your hands.

Control Features

Capturing the sharp, vivid HD video of which your compatible VIXIA camcorder is capable, even underwater, requires the ability to access its full capabilities. With the WP-V1 it’s easy. At your fingertips are direct control buttons for record start/stop, telephoto and wide zoom, photo capture and preview. Your hands stay right on the controls you need to make fast adjustments or to focus on your subject.

Easy to Handle

The Canon WP-V1 fits the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 like the proverbial glove. Its tailored form and the approximately 2.7 lbs of total weight means no unnecessary bulk keeps you from maneuvering underwater the way you have to. The ease of handling makes the WP-V1 the ideal companion for the aquatic cinematographer.

View the Canon WP-V1 Waterproof Case page.

Buy a DicaPac WPD10 Waterproof Camcorder Case

Via Canon press release

Canon XH A1 and VIXIA HF10 HD Used for Crank High Voltage

Co-directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor explained how and why they used these camcorders to record the unique cisual style of the action movie.

"Knowing the size and mobility of the cameras we wanted, it was really just a question of which one gave us the images that we liked,"Taylor noted. "We did film-out tests with several different brands of cameras and discovered that Canon's new generation of small, lightweight camcorders provide the image quality we needed. Their images look just incredible when transferred to film. Ninety-eight percent of the movie was shot with Canon XH A1 and HF10 HD camcorders. They enabled us to move fast and save time. We feel like camera technology has finally caught up with what we do."[...]
"The whole film is shot like a skate video,"Trost said. "Mark was on rollerblades for half the movie as one of the camera operators. He was towed by cars at 50 miles per hour while holding a Canon HD camcorder to get dynamic shots he could never get otherwise. We shot primarily with the Canon XH A1 and also used the HF10 camcorder for smaller shots."

Read the full article at Consumer Electronics Net or buy a Canon VIXIA HF10 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 16 GB Internal Flash Memory and 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Canon Vixia HF20 reviewed

Mike Perlman at infoSync has a new review of the tiny yet powerful camcorder Canon Vixia HF20. Check out their summary below and see the full review after the jump. I am pretty busy these days so no time to post review roundups. Sorry for that.

We're beginning to wonder if Canon is capable of manufacturing a bad camcorder. We haven't seen a dud from the company in years, and the Canon Vixia HF20 represents yet another A+ in consumer classroom. We loved the ultra-compact nature of the Vixia HF20, allowing us to transport the little bugger with ease. Its menu system cannot be beat and shooting features were not only plentiful, but also of the highest quality. Speaking of which, the Vixia HF20 cranked out one of the best video performances we've seen to date, even rivaling the Canon Vixia HF S10. We had few complaints at the end of our jaunt, and we're sure future Vixia HF20 owners will feel the same. At $900, the Vixia HF20 is a steal in terms of bang for the buck. Another winner from Canon. Jeez, this is getting old. Release: April 2009. Price: $900.

Pros: Great video performance. Excellent features. The best menus system in the biz.

Cons: Skimps on external controls. No viewfinder.

Read the full Canon Vixia HF20 review at infosyncworld.com and if you like it, you can support me if you buy a Canon VIXIA HF20 HD Dual Flash Memory w/32GB Internal Memory & 15x Optical Zoom.

Canon Vixia HF S100 Camcorder Reviewed

CamcorderInfo.com has a new review of the Canon Vixia HF S100.

The Canon Vixia HF S100 (and its sister model, the HF S10) represent the top of the line from the manufacturer's 2009 camcorders. The 8.59-megapixel sensor, large lens, still photo capabilities, and excellent new custom control dial are just some of the features Canon has included to up the ante in this year's flagship models. Canon has also improved the overall video performance, although some low light performance was sacrificed in order to achieve incredibly high sharpness.

Buy a Canon VIXIA HFS100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder + Deluxe Value Accessory Kit

Via camcorderinfo.com

Canon Vixia HF S10 reviewed by cnet

Check out this review of the Vixia HFS10, a great camcorder with a scary price tag. Cnet says:

The good: Excellent video quality and performance; nicely designed interface; fast battery charging.

The bad: No eye-level viewfinder; expensive; lens cover rattles when closed.

The bottom line: An excellent flash-based prosumer HD camcorder, you may nevertheless pass on the Canon Vixia HF S10 because it lacks an eye-level viewfinder. And the identical--but cheaper, because it has no built-in memory--Vixia HF S100 may also be a better buy.

Read the Canon Vixia HF S10 review at cnet.

Buy a Canon VIXIA HFS10 HD Dual Flash Memory w/32GB Internal Memory & 10x Optical Zoom

Canon DVD Digital Camcoder DC201 reviewed

Features
- Direct-to-DVD recording via 30x optical zoom lens (800x digital zoom).
- True widescreen recording and 16:9 LCD and EVF.
- DIGIC DV II.
- DVD-R DL (Dual Layer).
- Quick Start button.
- Easy Joystick controller.
- Balanced and comfortable design.
The ease of recording to DVD, with Canon optics, easy control and DL compatibility.

Direct-to-DVD
A powerful Canon 30x optical zoom lens captures eye-catching widescreen home movies that are recorded directly to DVD (-R/-RW/-R DL). For even higher magnification, use the 800x digital zoom. An Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS) keeps movies looking smooth and steady.

Widescreen recording
The DC201 is optimised for true widescreen recording straight to DVD. Easily preview widescreen movies in true 16:9 using the camcorder's 2.7" widescreen LCD. If you need to extend battery life use the energy efficient 0.27" widescreen colour EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) instead.

DIGIC DV II
Developed for Canon's High Definition (HD) camcorder range, DIGIC DV II is Canon's ultra-fast image processor that features advanced noise reduction technology for clear, sharp images. DIGIC DV II also helps you to capture movies that are full of vibrant colour.

Buy Tuff-Luv All-Weather Shoulder Bag case for Canon Digital Camcorders Models: (HF100 HF100 HG10 HR10 HV30 HV20 FS100 FS11 FS10 DC330 DC301 DC230 DC201 DC50 DC22 DC21 DC19 HG 20 HG 21) (Black/Grey)

Via CDFreaks

Canon Vixia HF11 reviewed

Techtree India has a review of the Canon Vixia HF11.

Summer vacations will be starting soon, and most people will be going somewhere for holidays. When it comes to capturing special moments on special occasions, such as a vacation abroad, a wedding, or a birthday, a camcorder can do a lot more than a digital camera. Yet again, we have the review of a brand new camcorder, and this one has full HD recording capabilities. High Definition content or HD is fast gaining popularity these days, and it will not be long before we find it becoming a part of our everyday life. We have all marveled at the quality of HD movies when compared to standard DVD movies, and the sheer prospect of bringing that quality to the videos we capture is an exhilarating thought. We have with us today the Canon VIXIA HF11, which is a HD camcorder from Canon.

Canon is one of the companies in the forefront as a digital camera manufacturer, and are also manufacturers of a large range of camcorders - non-HD and HD. The SSD-based HF11 camcorder bears the standard stylish looks that have been a hallmark of camcorders from Canon. This particular model uses a 32 GB SSD as well as a SD-HC card slot for more capacity. It features 12x optical zoom and also 40x digital zoom, which can be extended to 200x. We shall observe in our review today how well this camcorder performs and whether what is shown on paper does indeed hold true.

Buy a Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD 32 GB Flash Memory Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

Read the Canon VIXIA HF11 review.

Stuff.tv posts top HD camcorders list

UK-based Stuff.tv says:

New sensor technology, touchscreen LCDs and Full HD recording: hi-def moviemaking is at your fingertips. Here's our pick of camcorders to get you started.

The list includes these models:

• Toshiba Camileo H20
• Creative Vado HD
• Sanyo VPC-HD2000
• Samsung HMX20
• Panasonic HDC-TM300
• Canon Legria HF S10

Check out the full details here.

Canon Vixia HF20 HD Camcorder reviewed

CamcorderInfo has a fresh review of the Canon Vixia HF20.

From the review:

Since it is $300 cheaper than last year's Canon HF11, we didn't expect the HF20 to put up the kind of numbers we saw from its award-winning sibling. What did shock us, however, was how steep of a downgrade the HF20 really is. Sure, it's smaller and lighter than the HF11, but it simply doesn't have the video performance to keep up with the intense pace set by Canon. Does the $899 price tag make-up for this loss in quality? Well, it depends. If you plan on using the HF20 to shoot in the dark, it simply won't deliver the goods. It measured a terrible low light sensitivity and the noise levels in our tests were way too high. The fact that the HF20 performed so poorly in low light is extremely disappointing. The Canon HF20 also had too many handling issues to get a free pass from us.
We found the menus to be confusing and the lack of a clearly labeled "Easy" mode to be disorienting for first-time users. The system for adjusting many of the manual controls were also poorly designed. Still, there's a lot to like about the HF20. In bright light, it measured an incredibly-high video resolution and its color accuracy wasn't half-bad either.
The camcorder features a decent set of manual controls, offers all the necessary ports and connectivity options (including a mic and headphone jack), and is a fairly portable device. It's 32GB of internal flash memory and inclusion of 24p and 30p frame rates also deserve strong praise.

Buy Canon VIXIA HF20 HD Dual Flash Memory w/32GB Internal Memory & 15x Optical Zoom

Read full review here.

Packing your gadgetry for travel to faraway lands

The Unofficial Apple Weblog has a new post about how to wisely pack a bunch of gadgets, batteries, memory cards, cables, neck straps and various tools for travel to far-far-away land.

Main ideas:

• Put everything into one bag
• A place for everything, and everything in its place
• Plan for power

Steven Sande says:
The Africa trip gave me the perfect opportunity to answer that question, since I not only had to take a computer with me, but two digital cameras, two iPhones, a backup drive, a snakes nest of cables, power cables and plug converters, a handful of memory cards, an Amazon Kindle, and an HD camcorder as well. The picture at the top of this post shows you just about everything I needed to pack.

Read the full article here.

Official photos of the Canon WP-V1 Waterproof Case for the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200

Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging technology, announces an exciting first with its new WP-V1 Waterproof Case for the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 Flash Memory Camcorders. Consumers can now dive up to depths of 130 feet and still be able to capture exciting underwater adventures. The ultimate accessory for divers who want to shoot video and photos while underwater, this compact and light-weight housing hugs the camcorder like a wet suit, enabling easy on-camera operation and control. Whether filming sharks off the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling in the warm waters of the Caribbean or simply wading in the water at your local beach, the Canon WP-VI Waterproof Case and corresponding VIXIA camcorders are ideal devices for capturing both video and photos. As an added plus, once enabled in the Special Scene mode, the white balance is controlled in a way which is ideally suited to an underwater environment.


"Canon is excited to offer consumers a go-anywhere option in the camcorder market," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "By broadening our accessory offerings, Canon can now service an expanded audience of those who need water-resistant products for their work or recreational use."

About the Canon VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 Flash Memory Camcorders
Canon's most compact high-definition Flash Memory camcorders, the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 are powerhouse options for anyone looking to take their HD camcorder with them wherever they go. The VIXIA HF20 offers the option of recording to a 32GB internal Flash drive or SDHC card slot and the VIXIA HF200 records to a SDHC memory card only. Additional features include a 3.89 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, newly designed Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens, Genuine Canon Face Detection, Video Snapshot and Dual Shot Modes, and an Advanced Auto Exposure system.


The WP-V1 Waterproof Case for the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 Flash Memory Camcorders is scheduled to be available in May for an estimated retail price of $599.

Via Canon Press Release / Press info